The shooting happened in the Delmas area near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Saturday night, said Joe Mignon, senior programme director for Jean's Yele Foundation. Jean was treated at a hospital and later released, Mignon said.

Jean, a native of Haiti who rocketed to fame as a member of the hip-hop trio the Fugees, is in his home country to support fellow musician and friend Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly, who is contesting a run-off vote taking place on Sunday against former first lady Mirlande Manigat.

Last week, Jean participated in a Martelly campaign concert in Port-au-Prince.

"We are happy that Wyclef is okay but we continue to pray for him and for a peaceful and fair election today in Haiti," said the Rev Al Sharpton, who has worked with Jean on educational issues and bringing aid to Haiti after the devastating January 2010 earthquake.

Rosemond said: "It is clear that enemies of progressive change in Haiti are behind the shooting of Wyclef – those that don't want to accept that a monumental change is inevitable for the betterment of the Haitian people. This incident will not deter those of us that see the election as crucial to the country's future."